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Bill to end nonmedical opt-outs for vaccinations advances to full Legislature

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Updated: 4:35 PM EDT Apr 10, 2019

Bill to end nonmedical opt-outs for vaccinations advances to full Legislature

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Updated: 4:35 PM EDT Apr 10, 2019

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ACCOUNT TO POLICE DIFFERED FROM THE MEDICAL EXAINER'S REPORT. JG WMTW NEWS 8. LAWMAKERS IN MAINE APPROVING A BILL ENDING NON- MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS FOR ROUTINE CHIDHOOD VACCINS BY 20-21. A COMMITTEE VOTED 8-TO-5 TODAY TO MOVE THE PROPOSAL FORWARD. OPPONENTS ARGUE MAINE PARENTS SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO OPT-OUT ON RELIOUS OR PHILOSOPHICAL GROUNDS. SUPPORTERS HOWEVER CITE THE HIGH RTES OF WHOOPING COUGH IN THE STATE ... AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL MEASLES OUTBREAK. WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IN A REAL WAY BEFORE THERE ARE OUTBREAKS OF THESE DISEAES, LIKE THERE ARE IN NEW YORK LIKE THERE ARE IN ASHINGTON. BUTT WITH I ALWAYS MAINAIN IF THE GOVERNMENT CAN OVERRIDE PARNTAL DECISIONS,

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Bill to end nonmedical opt-outs for vaccinations advances to full Legislature

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Updated: 4:35 PM EDT Apr 10, 2019

Maine could end nonmedical exemptions for routine childhood vaccines required by schools and certain health care facilities.The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted 8-5 in favor of the bill Wednesday. The vote was along party lines.The bill was amended to give current students who are not immunized until 2021 to receive their required immunizationsThe bill was also amended to clarify what qualifies as a medical exemption. It now goes to the full Legislature for further votes.Multiple studies have debunked claims that measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations increase the risk for autism. Maine has one of the nation's highest rates of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.But opponents say argued Maine parents should remain able to opt out on religious or philosophical grounds.Meanwhile, a Republican's bill would leave medical exemptions at the "sole discretion" of anyone authorized to administer vaccines.Federal data shows Maine had among the highest rates of nonmedical vaccine exemptions in 2017-2018.Oregon and Washington are also considering bills to end nonmedical exemptions for childhood vaccines.